Posted information sharing system, information-processing system, information processing method, storage medium, and computer platform

ABSTRACT

An exemplary posted information sharing system includes: an information-processing system; and a server, wherein the information-processing device includes an executing unit that executes an application program, and an accessing unit that accesses an item of posted information depending on the application program that is being executed or whose execution is suspended, the posted information being stored on the server, and the server includes a providing unit that provides access to the posted information by the information-processing device, in response to a request from the accessing unit.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/768,793 filed Feb. 15, 2013; which is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 13/750,473, filed Jan. 25, 2013; which claimspriority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2012-124651 filed on May31, 2012; each of which is incorporated herein in their entirety byreference.

FIELD

This application relates to sharing posted information via a network.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY

An information-processing system for sharing information with otherusers via communication function is known.

The disclosure herein provides improved technology.

There is provided a posted information sharing system including: aninformation-processing system; and a server, wherein theinformation-processing system includes an executing unit that executesan application program, and an accessing unit that accesses an item ofposted information depending on the application program that is beingexecuted or whose execution is suspended, the posted information beingstored on the server, and the server includes a providing unit thatprovides access to the posted information by the information-processingdevice, in response to a request from the accessing unit.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Exemplary embodiments will be described with reference to the followingdrawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 shows an outline of a posted information sharing system accordingto an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 2 shows an example of a screen image of a posted informationsharing service;

FIG. 3 shows exemplary details of posted information 94;

FIG. 4 shows an example of a configuration of posted information sharingsystem 1 according to one exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 5 shows an example of a hardware configuration ofinformation-processing device 10;

FIG. 6 shows an example of a software configuration ofinformation-processing device 10;

FIG. 7 shows an example of a functional configuration of post server 20;

FIG. 8 shows an example of functional configuration of shop server 30;

FIG. 9 shows examples of methods for accessing post server 20;

FIG. 10 shows an example of a sequence chart illustrating an operationof information-processing device 10;

FIG. 11 shows an example of data stored in posted information database212;

FIG. 12 shows an example of a software configuration relating to path 3;

FIG. 13 shows an example of a sequence chart illustrating a process forbrowsing the posted information relating to a community;

FIG. 14 shows an example of a community list;

FIG. 15 shows an example of a sequence chart illustrating a process forviewing a direct message;

FIG. 16 shows an example of a sequence chart illustrating a process forposting text;

FIG. 17 shows an example of a sequence chart illustrating a process forposting information including a set of binary data;

FIG. 18 shows an example of a sequence chart illustrating a process forposting a direct message;

FIG. 19 shows an example of a sequence chart illustrating a process forparticipating in a community;

FIG. 20 shows an example of a sequence chart illustrating a process forwithdrawing from a community;

FIG. 21 shows an example of a sequence chart illustrating a process forgenerating a new community triggered by posting; and

FIG. 22 shows an example of data registered in application database 311.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF NON-LIMITING EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS 1. Outline

FIG. 1 shows an outline of posted information sharing system accordingto an exemplary embodiment. A service provided by the posted informationsharing system (hereinafter, referred to as “posted information sharingservice”) includes, for example, a so-called electronic bulletin boardsystem (hereinafter, the electronic bulletin board is simply referred toas “bulletin board”). The bulletin board is a system for receivingposted information posted by a user from a terminal and storing theposted information, as well as providing the posted information in abrowsable format to a user who accesses a server from a terminal. It isto be noted that a server function may be provided by a single serverdevice or a group of server devices. The posted information sharingsystem may share the posted information by use of another system, forexample, by providing access by another user to a web site unique to auser, to which the user posts information, or by providing a system foranother user to post comments on the posted information. According tothe bulletin board system, at least one unique bulletin board isprovided for every application program. Further, each applicationprogram has at least one unique community relating to the applicationprogram. It is to be noted that each application program may have pluralunique communities. A community is, for example, a group of users (inother words, a set of plural users). A user who belongs to a communityis referred to as a member of the community. In this example, at leastone unique bulletin board is provided for each community.

In this example, at least one community is provided for each applicationprogram. In other words, a provider or an operator of the postedinformation sharing system generates on a server at least one uniquecommunity for each application program. More specifically, when a newapplication program is released, the provider or the operator generateson a server at least one unique community for the new applicationprogram. Thus, at least one unique community and at least one uniquebulletin board is provided by a server for every commercially availableapplication program (in other words, every application program in use).n communities (n is a natural number that satisfies n>=1) correspond toan application program. In the example shown in FIG. 1, threecommunities exist for application program A, and two communities existfor application program B. Each community has a communication tool (forexample, a bulletin board) for communicating with other members. Amember communicates a message such as an opinion, an impression, aquestion, a comment, and so on, with other members. In other words, auser of the posted information sharing system can browse comments ofother members, share his/her comments, or exchange messages with othermembers.

A user of the posted information sharing system can establish arelationship with another user as a “friend.” The term “friends” refersto a relationship between two users who have agreed via the postedinformation sharing system to be friends with each other.

FIG. 2 shows an example of a screen image of the posted informationsharing service; more specifically, it shows a screen image of thecommunication tool in a community. The image includes title 91, text box92, post button 93, plural items of posted information 94, and buybutton 95. In other words, the image includes a user interface for thebulletin board system. Title 91 shows a title of the community. In thisexample, the application program is a program for providing a video game(in other words, a game application), and title 91 includes information(at least one of text and image) for identifying the application programto which the community belongs. In this example, title 91 shows that thecommunity relates to a game of “the Legend of XYZ.” Text box 92 is usedto input a text to be posted. Post button 93 is used to input aninstruction to transmit data such as the text input in text box 92, tothe posted information sharing system (server). Posted information 94shows information posted by a user. Details of posted information 94will be described later. Buy button 95 is used to input an instructionto access a web site on which a corresponding application program issold.

FIG. 3 shows exemplary details of posted information 94. Postedinformation 94 includes user image 940, user ID 941, application name942, progress information 943, posted text 944, time stamp 945, screenshot image 946, and attached data image 947. User image 940 shows animage set up for a user who transmits this posted information 94. Inthis example, the user image is a so-called avatar image. User ID 941denotes a name of a user who posts this posted information 94.Application name 942 denotes information identifying an applicationprogram that is in executing state in the user's information-processingdevice at the time an instruction to transmit this posted information 94is made. Here, the term “being executed” includes a state in whichexecution of the application program is suspended or paused (in otherwords, the execution is temporarily disrupted) as well as a state inwhich the application program is being executed (in other words, theexecution is sustained). Hereinafter, the application is referred to asan “application program being executed (at the time of transmission).”

Progress information 943 denotes a progress status of an applicationprogram in the progress status, for example, a stage number (stagename), a save point, or accumulated playing time of a game. Posted text944 shows a text input by a user who posted this posted information 94.Time stamp 945 denotes a time when this posted information 94 wasposted. Usually, posted text 944 is a text of an opinion, an impression,a question, or a comment relating to the application program beingexecuted. In other words, posted text 944 is a text relating to anapplication program denoted by application name 942.

Screen shot image 946 is a screen shot image of an application programbeing executed. Attached data image 947 denotes whether data relating tothis item of posted information 94 is attached. The attached data isgenerated by the application program being executed and shows, forexample, a virtual object such as an item in a game.

In the example of posted information 94 shown in FIG. 3, it is shownthat a user having a user ID “Taro Yamada” posted a text “I got a secretsword in the village.” relating to a game “Legend of XYZ” at 21:09, Mar.19, 2021.

It is to be noted that the posted information sharing service is anexample of a service for providing the posted information. The postedinformation may be provided by, for example, a blog or a buzz marketingsite. Further, in FIG. 1, a single service has plural communitiesrelating to plural application programs. However, plural services, eachof which is unique for an application program, for sharing the postedinformation may be provided.

It is to be noted that the posted information sharing service provides auser interface image independent of the application program as well as auser interface image corresponding to a community. A page referred to as“my page” is an example of the user interface image independent of theapplication program. In “my page,” plural items of posted informationposted by other users who are friends of the user or have associationwith the user, are shown in a single user interface image.

2. Configuration 2-1. Posted Information Sharing System 1

FIG. 4 shows an example of a configuration of posted information sharingsystem 1 according to one exemplary embodiment. Posted informationsharing system 1 includes information-processing device 10, post server20, and shop server 30. Post server 20 is a server device providing aposted information sharing service. Post server 20 includes a functionto provide a bulletin board system. Post server 20 stores informationposted (transmitted) from information-processing device 10 as the postedinformation. Further, if post server 20 receives a request for browsingthe posted information, post server 20 provides the posted information.More specifically, when an item of information is posted, the item ofposted information is stored in a resource (for example, a directory)corresponding to (dependent on) an application program being executed atthe time of the post. Alternatively, all the posted information may bestored in a single resource with identification information of theapplication program being stored. Further, if post server 20 receives arequest for browsing the posted information, post server 20 reads therequested posted information from corresponding resources in the postserver 20, in response to an application program being executed. Thus,post server 20 provides the posted information to a terminal thattransmits a request to browse the posted information. In postedinformation sharing system 1, each of plural users transmits his/her ownposted information to post server 20 from his/her owninformation-processing device 10. Post server 20 stores the postedinformation transmitted from plural information-processing devices 10.Post server 20 transmits at least one item of posted informationselected in response to a request from among the stored plural items ofposted information, to information-processing device 10 that is a sourceof the request. The posted information includes, for example, text thatis input by a user. The posted information includes text (characterstrings) and/or an image as an opinion, an impression, a question, acomment, or a message. Shop server 30 sells an application program bydownload via a network in response to a request frominformation-processing device 10.

Information-processing device 10 includes a function to execute at leastone application program selected from plural application programs.Information-processing device 10 obtains identification information ofan application program from among the plural application programs.Hereinafter, an application program that is being executed at the time apost instruction or a browse instruction is input, is referred to as an“application being executed.” In the exemplary embodiment,information-processing device 10 accesses post server 20 after theapplication being executed is paused. Therefore, the application beingexecuted is an application program that was being executed immediatelyprior to input of an instruction to access post server 20. In thisexample, information-processing device 10 obtains identificationinformation of an application program that is paused at the time of theaccess. However, the application program may still be being executed atthe time of the access. In such a case, information-processing device 10obtains identification information of an application program that isbeing executed at the time of the access. Information-processing device10 accesses a community corresponding to an application being executed,and displays results of the access. Here, “at the time an instruction toaccess post server 20 is made” includes a timing when an indirectinstruction to access post server 20 is made, for example, when aninstruction to display a menu image including an item to access postserver 20 is made, as well as a timing when a direct instruction toaccess is made. Also, the “access to post server 20” includes access totransmit information and access to browse the posted information. Onlyone of these two accesses may be implemented in a single device or by asingle software program. Here, “when an instruction to access is made”includes at least one of when an instruction to transmit the postedinformation is made and when an instruction to browse the postedinformation is made. Further, an “application being executed” includesat least one of an application program that is being executed and anapplication program whose execution is paused (suspended).

2-2. Information-Processing Device 10

Information-processing device 10 includes application-executing unit 11,obtaining unit 12, accessing unit 13, post-controlling unit 14,access-instructing unit 15, application-suspending unit 16,identification-generating unit 17, and storing unit 18. Display unit 150displays an image showing a result of execution of a program such as anapplication program. Input unit 151 receives an input from a user. Inthis example, display unit 150 and input unit 151 are external functionsof information-processing device 10. However, information-processingdevice 10 may include at least one of display unit 150 and input unit151.

Various application programs for information-processing device 10 arecommercially available. A user can purchase a desired applicationprogram so as to run the application program on theinformation-processing device 10. Information-processing device 10 canstore in internal non-volatile memory plural application programs. Inaddition or instead, a user can freely select an application program tobe executed, by changing a memory card in which an application programis stored, which memory card is removably inserted ininformation-processing device 10. Application-executing unit 11 isimplemented by CPU 101 (described later) executing an applicationprogram (a user application program) that is freely selected andpurchased or downloaded by a user. In other words, functions provided byapplication-executing unit 11 are implemented by codes described in auser application program. Obtaining unit 12 obtains identificationinformation of a user application program that is in execution status byapplication-executing unit 11 (such an application program is referredto as an “application being executed” hereinafter). It is to be notedthat, in this example, information-processing device 10 accesses postserver 20 while execution of the user application program is suspended.Obtaining unit 12 may obtain identification information of a userapplication program that was being executed immediately beforesuspension of execution of the user application program, or may obtainidentification information of a user application program whose executionis already suspended. Further, if information-processing device 10accesses post server 20 without suspending the execution of the userapplication program, obtaining unit 12 may obtain identificationinformation of the application program being executed. It is to be notedthat, in the following description, obtaining unit 12 obtains from an OSidentification information of the application being executed. However,obtaining unit 12 may obtain the identification information directlyfrom the application program that is being executed. Accessing unit 13accesses a community (more specifically, to post server 20) relating toa user application program identified by the identification informationobtained by obtaining unit 12, from among plural communities provided byposted information sharing system 1. Post-controlling unit 14 controlsdisplay unit 150 to display posted information obtained from thecommunity accessed by accessing unit 13. Further, post-controlling unit14 transmits (posts) to the community posted information input by a uservia input unit 151.

Access-instructing unit 15 instructs accessing unit 13 to access postserver 20. In this example, obtaining unit 12 obtains identificationinformation of the application program being executed whenaccess-instructing unit 15 instructs accessing unit 13 to access postserver 20.

Application-suspending unit 16 temporarily suspends the execution of theuser application program when access-instructing unit 15 instructsaccessing unit 13 to access post server 20. It is to be noted thatparameters relating to the application program (for example, parametersshowing a status in a game) are stored. Further, in response to aninstruction by a user, the execution of the user application program isresumed (the stored parameters are used to resume the user applicationprogram). In this example, after the execution of the user applicationprogram is suspended, access-instructing unit 15 controls display unit150 to display a menu image including items to instruct accessing unit13 to access post server 20. Accessing unit 13 accesses post server 20if an item to instruct accessing unit 13 to access post server 20 isselected from options shown in the menu image.

Identification-generating unit 17 generates community identificationinformation, which identifies a community (or a bulletin board system)relating to a user application program identified by identificationinformation obtained by obtaining unit 12. In this example, accessingunit 13 accesses a community by using the community identificationinformation generated by identification-generating unit 17. Morespecifically, in this example, identification-generating unit 17generates access information (for example, a URL (Uniform ResourceLocator)) corresponding to the user application program identified bythe obtained identification information, so as to access post server 20.It is to be noted that functions of obtaining unit 12, accessing unit13, post-controlling unit 14, access-instructing unit 15,application-suspending unit 16, and identification-generating unit 17are implemented by information-processing device 10 and not byapplication-executing unit 11, which is implemented by CPU 101 executinga user application program (for example, a game program). In otherwords, these functional units are not implemented by codes included inthe user application program. More specifically, functions of theseunits are implemented by CPU 101 (or another processor) executing codesincluded in software for a platform of information-processing device 10.For example, functions of these units may be implemented by CPU 101executing codes included in at least one software program preinstalled(prior to shipping of information-processing device 10) ininformation-processing device 10, software installed wheninformation-processing device 10 is updated via a network, and systemsoftware. In this example, functions of obtaining unit 12, accessingunit 13, access-instructing unit 15, application-suspending unit 16, andidentification-generating unit 17 are implemented by CPU 101 executingcodes included in the system software. A function of post-controllingunit 14 is implemented by CPU 101 (or another processor) executing codesincluded in preinstalled software.

Storing unit 18 includes non-volatile memory and stores system softwareof information-processing device 10. The system software includes codesfor holding program identification information identifying theapplication being executed, and codes for notifying obtaining unit 12 ofthe held program identification information. Obtaining unit 12identifies the application being executed based on a notification of theprogram identification information obtained from the system software.

In this example, accessing unit 13 transmits to post server 20 theprogram identification information when accessing post server 20. It isto be noted that it is not always necessary to transmit the programidentification information to post server 20 in a case of accessing adifferent URL, depending on the identified user application program.

FIG. 5 shows an example of a hardware configuration ofinformation-processing device 10. In this example,information-processing device 10 is a game device for playing a videogame. Information-processing device 10 is a computer device includingCPU (Central Processing Unit) 101, memory 102, external memory IF 103,input module 104, display controller 105, sound module 106, andcommunication module 107. Information-processing device 10 is connectedto display device 50. Display device 50 is a device for displayinginformation such as an image and/or a character string, and includes adisplay (liquid crystal display panel or organic electro-luminescencedisplay panel) and a driver circuit thereof. In this example,information-processing device 10 is a so-called console type gamedevice, which does not include display device 50. Display device 50 isan external device, such as a television. It is to be noted thatinformation-processing device 10 may include display device 50.

CPU 101 is a device for controlling elements of information-processingdevice 10, and executes various processes or calculations. Memory 102 isa storage device for storing a program and data, such as RAM (RandomAccess Memory) and/or ROM (Read Only Memory), for example. Externalmemory IF 103 is an interface for reading/writing data from/into anexternal storage medium (an optical disk, a magnetic disk, or asemiconductor memory, for example) that stores a program and/or data.Input module 104 includes an input device for inputting an instructionor command from a user to CPU 101, such as, for example, a keypad,buttons, a touch screen, a microphone, or a combination thereof. Displaycontroller 105 is a device for controlling a display device to displayinformation such as an image and/or a character string, such as an imageprocessing circuit and an image signal output circuit. Sound module 106includes a device for outputting a sound signal, such as a soundprocessing device and a sound signal output device. Communication module107 includes a device for communicating with another device in apredetermined communication standard via a wired and/or a wirelessnetwork (for example, the Internet).

FIG. 6 shows an example of a software configuration ofinformation-processing device 10. Information-processing device 10includes system software 51, portal software 52, and game application53, which is an example of a user application program. In this example,system software 51 and portal software 52 are preinstalled in memory 102before information-processing device 10 is shipped. In other words,system software 51 and portal software 52 are provided as functions of aplatform of information-processing device 10. Game application 53 isstored in an external storage device. It is to be noted that gameapplication 53 may be stored in memory 102. In another example, at leastone of system software 51, portal software 52, and game application 53may be downloaded via a network and may be updated to a most recentversion via the network, as an alternative to the preinstall.

System software 51 is software for managing and/or controllinginformation-processing device 10. System software 51 is softwarenecessary to execute an application program on information-processingdevice 10, and is required to be installed in information-processingdevice 10 during execution of an application program. In this example,system software 51 includes OS (Operating System) 511, applicationidentifying module 512, identification generating module 513, and accessmodule 514. System software 51 includes a set of codes to implement thefunctions of these modules. OS 511 is software to manage and/or controlportal software 52 and a user application program such as gameapplication 53. Application identifying module 512 identifies a userapplication program being executed. More specifically, applicationidentifying module 512 obtains identification information (hereinafterreferred to as an “application ID”) of a user application program beingexecuted. Identification generating module 513 generates identificationinformation of a community relating to the application programidentified by application identifying module 512. The identificationinformation is, for example, a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) showing aresource of the community. Access module 514 communicates using theresource shown by the URL.

Portal software 52 is client software of the posted information sharingsystem, and provides a user interface for showing information to a userand receiving input of information by a user. Portal software 52transmits a request to post server 20 via access module 514, andcontrols the display device to display an image relating to the postedinformation sharing system, using data transmitted from post server 20in response to the request. The image relating to the posted informationsharing system includes a UI (User Interface) for inputting,transmitting and displaying the posted information, and at least oneitem of posted information posted by at least one user.

Game application 53 is an application program (software) forimplementing a video game on information-processing device 10.Information-processing device 10 has a function to execute at least onegame application selected from various game programs. A program of gameapplication 53 is stored, for example, in the external storage medium(an external memory). A user operates information-processing device toread a program stored in a storage medium that is selected by the userfrom among plural storage media storing different programs. Thus, theuser causes information-processing device 10 to execute the selectedgame application. In another example, memory 102 stores plural programs.A user may select a program to be started, and causeinformation-processing device 10 to execute the selected gameapplication.

CPU 101 executing a user application program is an example ofapplication-executing unit 11. CPU 101 executing system software 51 isan example of obtaining unit 12, accessing unit 13, access-instructingunit 15, application-suspending unit 16, and identification-generatingunit 17. CPU 101 executing portal software 52 is an example ofpost-controlling unit 14. At least one of memory 102 and the externalmemory is an example of storing unit 18. Display device 50 is an exampleof display unit 150.

2-3. Post Server 20

FIG. 7 shows an example of a functional configuration of post server 20.Post server 20 includes storage unit 21 and transmitting unit 22.Storage unit 21 stores user database 211, posted information database212, and community database 213. User database 211 is a database forrecording user configuration information used for each of plural userIDs of the posted information sharing system. The user configurationinformation includes configuration information unique to a user; forexample, a list of identifications of communities to which the userbelongs, a condition for restricting the posted information shared in acommunity, or a list of user IDs showing other users, who are friends ofthe user. The condition includes, for example, a condition ofrestriction by time (for example, sharing posted information that wasposted within the previous week), a condition of restriction by a user(for example, sharing only posted information that was posted byfriends), or a condition of no restriction (sharing all the postedinformation posted within the previous week).

Posted information database 212 is a database for recording plural itemsof posted information. Each item of plural posted informationcorresponds to an application program from among the plural applicationprograms. In other words, each item of the plural posted information isstored with information showing a relationship with the applicationprogram.

Community database 213 is a database for recording information(attribute information) relating to each of the plural communities. Eachof the plural communities corresponds to at least one applicationprogram. In other words, community database 213 is a database forrecording, for each of the plural application programs, informationrelating to the at least one community corresponding to the applicationprogram. Transmitting unit 22 transmits posted information read fromposted information database 212, in response to a request frominformation-processing device 10.

In this example, post server 20 further includes identificationreceiving unit 23, determining unit 24, inquiring unit 25, responsereceiving unit 26, and community registering unit 27. Identificationreceiving unit 23 receives program identification information of theapplication being executed (the identification information is referredto as “executed-program identification information”). Determining unit24 determines whether a community (or a bulletin board system)corresponding to the application program identified by the programidentification information received by identification receiving unit 23,is registered in community database 213. If it is determined that acorresponding community (or bulletin board system) is not registered,inquiring unit 25 transmits to another device (shop server 30, forexample) an inquiry relating to an application program identified by theexecuted-program identification information. Response receiving unit 26receives a response for the inquiry transmitted by inquiring unit 25. Inthis example, the response includes attribute information of theapplication program identified by the executed-program identificationinformation. Community registering unit 27 newly registers in communitydatabase 213 information relating to a community corresponding to theapplication program identified by the executed-program identificationinformation, based on a response received by response receiving unit 26.

In this example, identification receiving unit 23 receives frominformation-processing device 10, in addition to the executed-programidentification information, posted information relating to theexecuted-program identification information. Inquiring unit 25 transmitsto shop server 30 an inquiry if a community corresponding to theapplication program identified by the executed-program identificationinformation is not registered in community database 213.

Further, in this example, post server 20 includes data generating unit28. Identification receiving unit 23 receives a request for accessincluding community identification information for identifying acommunity. A response received by response receiving unit 26 includeslocation information indicating a location of a web page for purchasingthe corresponding application program (hereinafter, referred to as a“subject application program”). Data generating unit 28 generates datashowing a web page including location information corresponding to thesubject application program, and corresponding to a community identifiedby the community identification information received by identificationreceiving unit 23, with reference to information registered in communitydatabase 213. Transmitting unit 22 transmits the data generated by datagenerating unit 28, to information-processing device 10, a source of theposted information.

Further, in this example, post server 20 includes request receiving unit202, posted information extracting unit 203, and posted informationtransmitting unit 204. Request receiving unit 202 receives frominformation-processing device 10 a request for browsing postedinformation. Posted information extracting unit 203 extracts items ofposted information that satisfies a condition for restricting postedinformation applicable to the request, from among plural items of postedinformation registered in posted information database 212. Postedinformation transmitting unit 204 transmits the data generated by usingthe items of posted information extracted by posted informationextracting unit 203, to information-processing device 10, the source ofthe request.

Post server 20 is a computer device including a CPU and a memory ashardware elements. The CPU is a device that controls elements of postserver 20, and executes various calculations. The memory is a devicethat stores data and programs, and includes a RAM and a ROM, forexample. In this case, the memory stores a posted server program causinga computer device to function as post server 20. By execution of theposted server program by the CPU, functions shown in FIG. 7 areimplemented.

2-4. Shop Server 30

FIG. 8 shows an example of a functional configuration of shop server 30.Shop server 30 includes storage unit 31, inquiry receiving unit 32,searching unit 33, and response transmitting unit 34. Storage unit 31stores application database 311. Application database 311 is a databasein which program identification information and attribute information ofthe application program identified by the program identificationinformation are registered for each of plural application programs.Further, in application database 311, entity files of software areregistered for at least a part of the application programs, for purchaseor distribution via download. Inquiry receiving unit 32 receives aninquiry from post server 20. Searching unit 33 searches items ofattribute information of the application program relating to theinquiry, from among plural items of information registered inapplication database 311. Response transmitting unit 34 transmits thesearch result(s) by searching unit 33 as a response to the inquiryreceived by inquiry receiving unit 32, to post server 20, the source ofthe inquiry. Further, shop server 30 has a function to purchase ordistribute an application program via download, in response to a requestfrom information-processing device 10.

Shop server 30 is a computer device including a CPU and a memory ashardware elements. The CPU is a device that controls elements of shopserver 30, and executes various calculations. The memory is a devicethat stores data and programs, and includes a RAM and a ROM, forexample. In this case, the memory stores a shop server program causing acomputer device to function as shop server 30. By execution of the shopserver program by the CPU, functions shown in FIG. 8 are implemented.

3. Operation

Operations of information-processing device 10 will now be described.Here, an example in which a community corresponding to game application53 is accessed during execution of game application 53 ininformation-processing device 10, is described. In other words, anexample in which a user playing game application 53 accesses a communitycorresponding to game application 53 being played currently, isdescribed. In the following, a method for accessing post server 20 isdescribed. Then, a process in posted information sharing system 1 (inother words, what can be done in posted information sharing system 1) isdescribed.

3-1. Methods for Accessing Post Server

FIG. 9 shows examples of methods for accessing post server 20. Themethods for accessing post server 20 are divided into two categories.The first category is to access post server 20 via portal software 52,as shown as paths 1 and 2 in FIG. 9. The second category is to accesspost server 20 directly from game application 53, as shown as path 3 inFIG. 9. The first category includes two methods. According to the firstmethod, (i) the execution of game application 53 is temporally paused,(ii) a function (for example, a menu image) of system software 51 iscalled, and (iii) portal software 52 is called via the menu image. Thefirst method is also referred to as path 1. According to the secondmethod, portal software 52 is called directly from game application 53.The second method is also referred to as path 2. Details of thesemethods will be described below.

3-1-1. Access Via Portal Software 52 3-1-1-1. (Path 1) Call Via MenuImage

In this example, OS 511 temporally pauses the execution of gameapplication 53 when a predetermined command is input (for example, apredetermined button from among plural buttons of input module 104 ispushed) when game application 53 is being executed. Then, OS 511 calls amenu image. The menu image is provided by a function of system software51. The menu image includes an item for instructing portal software 52to start. If a user selects the item, OS 511 starts portal software 52.The user accesses post server 20 via portal software 52. In thisexample, after the menu image is called and during the access to postserver 20, game application 53 that was being executed is temporarilypaused. If a predetermined command is input while game application 53 ispaused, OS 511 resumes game application 53.

FIG. 10 shows an example of a sequence chart illustrating an operationof information-processing device 10. In the following descriptions, aprogram such as OS 511 or portal software 52 is described as a subjectof the process. These descriptions mean that CPU 101 executing theprogram co-operates with other hardware devices to execute the process.

In step S100, OS 511 determines whether the menu image is called duringthe execution of game application 53. In this example, OS 511 monitorsinput module 104. If a predetermined command is input via input module104, OS 511 determines whether the menu image is called. If it isdetermined that the menu image is called (step S100: YES), OS 511transfers the operation to step S101. If it is determined that the menuimage is not called (step S100: NO), OS 511 continues to execute gameapplication 53.

In step S101, OS 511 pauses game application 53 that is being executed.In other words, OS 511 activates another program, with data used forgame application 53 being stored in memory 102.

In step S102, OS 511 displays the menu image. The menu image includes anitem for instructing portal software 52 to start. If the user selectsthe item, OS 511 transfers the operation to step S103.

In step S103, application identifying module 512 identifies anapplication program (an application program being executed, in thisexample, game application 53) that was being executed at the time ofinput of the instruction to call the menu image. Details are as follows.OS 511 reads from memory 102 the application ID of the applicationprogram being executed. Then, OS 511 calls application identifyingmodule 512. When calling application identifying module 512, OS 511notifies application identifying module 512 of the read application ID.It is to be noted that the application ID of the application programbeing executed is stored in memory 102, according to a processindependent from the flow shown in FIG. 10. More specifically, whenstarting an application program, OS 511 obtains the application ID fromthe application program. OS 511 continues to store the application ID inmemory 102 from the start to the termination of the application program.

In step S104, identification generating module 513 generates a URL (anexample of community identification information) showing a resource ofthe corresponding community, using the application program identified byapplication identifying module 512. Identification generating module 513includes a table, a function, or a rule for exchanging an application IDfor a URL. Identification generating module 513 generates the URL fromthe application ID with reference to the table, the function, or therule.

In step S105, OS 511 starts portal software 52. When starting portalsoftware 52, OS 511 notifies portal software 52 of the URL generated byidentification generating module 513 as a URL showing a resource that isaccessed when the portal software 52 is started.

In step S106, portal software 52 accesses the community shown by thenotified URL. In other words, portal software 52 accesses, via accessmodule 514, a resource (in this example, a directory selected from amongplural directories of post server 20, in response to the applicationbeing executed) corresponding to an application program that was beingexecuted at the time when portal software 52 is instructed to start.

When accessing post server 20, access module 514 transmits to postserver 20 a request including the application ID and a user ID of theuser of information-processing device 10. The user ID is an example ofidentification information of a user who is logged in toinformation-processing device 10 (in other words, a user who usesinformation-processing device 10). The user ID is identified at apredetermined timing, for example, at the time of bootinginformation-processing device 10, by a so-called login process.

FIG. 11 shows an example of data stored in posted information database212. Posted information database 212 includes plural data sets. Eachdata set includes a post ID, a time stamp, an application ID, a user ID,a text (posted text), a set of binary data, and a tag. The post ID isidentification information for identifying the posted information. Thepost ID is allocated by post server 20 according to a predetermined rule(for example, the post ID is allocated in order of receipt of the postedinformation). The time stamp shows the time when the posted informationis received (or when the posted information is posted). The applicationID is identification information for identifying an application programcorresponding to the posted information, more specifically, anapplication program (the application program being executed) that wasbeing executed in information-processing device 10 when an instructionto post the subject posted information was made. The user ID isidentification information of a user who posts the subject postedinformation. The posted text consists of character strings input by theuser. It is to be noted that handwritten characters (or image) or a textautomatically generated by the system may be used instead of or as wellas the posted text. The set of binary data is a data set used in theapplication program identified by the corresponding application ID. Morespecifically, the set of binary data is a data set generated by thesubject application program. The tag is data showing other relatedinformation. In this example, the tag includes usage information showingthe usage status. The usage information shows information thatcumulatively changes depending on the usage of the application program,for example, accumulated playing time of a game, or information thatdiscontinuously changes depending on the usage of the applicationprogram; for example, a name of a save point in a game. It is to benoted that FIG. 11 merely shows an example, and information included inthe posted information is not restricted to the example. A part ofinformation shown in FIG. 11 may be omitted, and/or other informationmay be added to the example.

It is to be noted that progress information or information showing theusage status of the application program may be used instead of (or aswell as) the usage information. The progress information shows theprogress status of the application program. The usage information, theprogress information, and the information showing the usage status arenot restricted to the examples described above, the accumulated playingtime and the name of the latest save point. In a case that theapplication program is a game application, the usage information, theprogress information, and the information showing the usage status maybe, for example, at least one of a number of times that the user clearsthe game, a number of times that the user plays the game, a number oftimes that the user defeats a character in the game, a type of acharacter in the game, a type of an event that occurs in the game, anumber of wins (or losses) in the game, a number of items obtained inthe game, the number of the latest stage cleared by the user, a name ofthe latest save point, a level of a character in the game, or anachievement (a degree of completion of tasks provided in the game).

In another example, in a case that the application program is a movieplayer, the status information may be a number of times that a movie isplayed, accumulated time of playing a movie, or a number of times aninstruction to play a movie is made. In yet another example, in a casethat the application program is a still image viewer, the usageinformation, the progress information, and the information showing theusage status may be a number of viewed pages, a type of viewed image, ora number of times an instruction to view an image is made.

Referring to FIG. 10 again, when post server 20 receives a request frominformation-processing device 10, post server 20 extracts (in step S107)at least a part of the posted information from the posted informationrecorded in posted information database 212, with reference to the userconfiguration information. More specifically, in a case that theapplication ID included in the request for access is “AAA001,” postinformation having the post ID “351245,” “351243,” “351242,” and“351241” is extracted in the example of FIG. 11. Further, at least apart of posted information that satisfies the condition for restrictingthe posted information is extracted from the extracted postedinformation. For example, in a case that the condition for restrictingthe posted information is “the newest posted information of each user”and “maximum total sum of the posted information is three,” the postedinformation having the post ID “351245,” “351243,” and “351241” isextracted.

Post server 20 lists the extracted posted information (a group of theposted information) in an order according to a predetermined rule; forexample, in an order of time stamps. Post server 20 generates (in stepS108) data describing the extracted posted information in apredetermined format, for example, in HTML (HyperText Markup Language).Here, the generated data includes a community ID, identifying acommunity to which access is requested. The community ID is, forexample, a part of the URL of the community. Post server 20 transmits(in step S109) the generated data to information-processing device 10that is a source of the request for access.

In step S110, portal software 52 displays an image in accordance withthe data received from post server 20. By the example of step S107, animage shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 is displayed. It is to be noted that theimage to show the posted information is not restricted to the exampleshown in FIG. 3. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the usage informationof “53 h” is displayed as it is. In another example, portal software 52may change the image of at least one item included in the postedinformation in response to the usage information. More specifically, ashape, a color, or a size of the at least one item may be changed inresponse to the usage information. As a more detailed example, portalsoftware 52 displays user ID 942 using a different color in a case thatthe posted information has the usage information (or the postedinformation is posted by a user who has played the game) from that usedin a case that the posted information does not have the usageinformation (or the posted information is posted by a user who has notplayed the game). Alternatively, portal software 52 may display an image(an icon or a mark, for example) showing existence/non-existence of theusage information.

According to the flow shown in FIG. 10, a process for accessing postserver 20 and a process for providing the UI are executed by the systemsoftware 51 or portal software 52. In other words, if the userapplication program does not have a function to access post server 20, auser can easily access a community relating to the user applicationprogram. For example, a user playing a game can share with other usershis/her positive or negative experiences, for example, obtaining a rareitem, clearing a stage, or encountering a dead end in the game. Inaddition, for a developer of an application program, cost forimplementing functions to access post server 20 and to provide the UIcan be decreased.

In the above description, an example in which portal software 52 isstarted from the user application program via the menu image isdescribed. However, portal software 52 may be started other than via themenu image. In such a case, OS 511 starts portal software 52 when apredetermined command is input during the execution of game application53. In another example, when game application 53 is being executed whenthe menu image is called, game application 53 may be terminated insteadof be paused. In another example, a device ID (identificationinformation of information-processing device 10) may be used instead ofthe user ID.

3-1-1-2. (Path 2) Call from Game Application 53

In this example, an application program has a UI to start portalsoftware 52. For example, an image of the game includes a button tostart portal software 52. If the button is pushed (clicked) by a user,portal software 52 is started. The details of the process are similar tothose of path 1.

According to the example, a user can start portal software 52 withoutinputting a command via the menu image provided by a program other thanthe game. The user can start portal software 52 by inputting a commandvia a UI provided by the game.

3-1-2. (Path 3) Access from Game Application 53

In this example, an application program has a UI to access post server20; in other words, the application program has a client function of theposted information sharing system 1. For example, an image of the gameincludes a button to access post server 20. If the button is pushed(clicked) by a user, the game application accesses post server 20. Inpath 3, the application program has a function different from examplesof path 1 and path 2. Therefore, a software configuration is firstdescribed.

FIG. 12 shows an example of a software configuration relating to path 3.In this example, game application 53 includes body 531 of the gameprogram, library 532, and client module 533. Client module 533 is aclient software module of the posted information sharing system 1, foraccessing post server 20 via access module 514. library 532 is asoftware module used in body 531, and includes, for example, applicationidentifying module 5321 and identification information generating module5322. Application identifying module 5321 identifies an applicationprogram that is being executed. More specifically, applicationidentifying module 5321 obtains an application ID of the executedapplication program. Identification information generating module 5322generates identification information (a URL, for example) of a communityrelating to the application program being executed. Library 532 isprovided by the provider of the platform of information-processingdevice 10 (the provider of the game device, for example) for softwaredevelopers. It is to be noted that application identifying module 512and identification generating module 513 are not shown in FIG. 12because these functions are not used in this example.

In the example shown in FIG. 12, application identifying module 5321 isan example of application identifying unit 14, and identificationinformation generating module 5322 is an example of generating unit 18.

If an instruction to access posted information sharing system 1 is madeduring the execution of game application 53, body 531 of the gameprogram calls application identifying module 5321. When callingapplication identifying module 5321, body 531 notifies applicationidentifying module 5321 of the application ID of the game program. Then,application identifying module 5321 calls identification informationgenerating module 5322. Identification information generating module5322 generates a URL showing a resource of the corresponding communitybased on the application ID identified by application identifying module5321. Identification information generating module 5322 includes atable, a function, or a rule to change an application ID into a URL.Identification information generating module 5322 generates a URL fromthe application ID with reference to the table, the function, or therule.

Identification information generating module 5322 notifies body 531,which is a source of the call, of the generated URL. Then, body 531 ofthe game program calls client module 533. When calling client module533, body 531 of the game program notifies client module 533 of the URLof the community. Client module 533 accesses post server 20 by using thenotified URL.

According to the example, a user can access post server 20 withoutinputting a command via the menu image provided by a program other thanthe game. Further, since a software developer can implement a clientfunction into the application program, a UI synchronized with the imageof the game can be provided.

3-2. Process in Posted Information Sharing System

Next, description will be given for a process in the posted informationsharing system 1 (how a user can use the posted information sharingsystem 1). The process in the posted information sharing system 1includes browsing the posted information, posting the postedinformation, and managing the community.

3-2-1. Browsing

Browsing is a process for browsing the posted information. Informationstored in post server 20 includes, for example, the posted informationand direct messages. The posted information is shared by plural users.The direct message can be viewed by a single specified user. In thefollowing descriptions, viewing this information using portal software52 will be described.

3-2-1-1. Browsing Posted Information Relating to Community

FIG. 13 shows an example of a sequence chart illustrating a process forbrowsing the posted information relating to a community. In step S200,portal software 52 transmits to post server 20 via access module 514 arequest for transmitting a list of communities. The request includes theuser ID of a user of information-processing device 10. When post server20 receives the request from information-processing device 10, postserver 20 extracts from community database 213 information showingcommunities to which the user having the user ID included in the requestbelongs. Post server 20 generates (in step S201) a list of the extractedcommunities (hereinafter referred to as a “community list”).

FIG. 14 shows an example of the community list. The community listincludes a community ID, a title, an application ID, and attributeinformation. The community ID is identification information foridentifying a community (hereinafter, a specific community that is anobject of the description will be referred to as a “subject community”).The community ID is automatically allocated by the system (morespecifically, by post server 20). The title is identificationinformation for identifying the subject community, and is input by auser who generates the subject community. The application ID isidentification information for identifying an application programcorresponding to the subject community. The attribute information showsan attribute of the subject community. In this example, the attributeinformation includes, for example, the user who generates the subjectcommunity, a number of members who belong to the subject community, anda URL of the subject community. The user who generates the subjectcommunity is identified by the user ID. In this example, the communityis divided into two categories, an official category and a usercategory. The official community is a community that is generated by aprovider of posted information sharing system 1 or a provider of theapplication program. For the official community, the user is recorded as“official.” The user community is a community that is generated by auser. The number of members shows a number of users who belong to thesubject community. The URL shows a resource providing the subjectcommunity. It is to be noted that the attribute information may includeother information, for example, a required condition to join the subjectcommunity.

Referring to FIG. 13 again, post server 20 transmits (in step S202) thegenerated community list to information-processing device 10 that is thesource of the request. When portal software 52 receives the communitylist, portal software 52 displays an image for prompting a user toselect a community. The user selects (in step S203) a community to bebrowsed via the image. After a community is selected, portal software 52transmits (in step S204) a request for accessing post server 20 viaaccess module 514. The request includes the user ID of the user ofinformation-processing device 10, and the community ID of the selectedcommunity.

When post server 20 receives the request from information-processingdevice 10, post server 20 extracts (in step S205) posted informationthat satisfies the condition for restricting the posted information,from the posted information recorded in posted information database 212.Post server 20 generates (in step S206) data describing the extractedposted information in a predetermined format. Post server 20 transmits(in step S207) the generated data to information-processing device 10that is the source of the request. Portal software 52 receives the datavia access module 514. Portal software 52 displays (in step S208) animage in accordance with the data received from post server 20. Detailsof steps S205 to S208 are similar to those in steps S107 to S110.

3-2-1-2. Viewing Direct Messages

FIG. 15 shows an example of a sequence chart illustrating a process forviewing a direct message. In step S210, portal software 52 transmits topost server 20 via access module 514 a request for accessing a directmessage. The request includes a user ID.

When post server 20 receives the request from information-processingdevice 10, post server 20 extracts (in step S211) direct messages thatsatisfy the condition for restricting the posted information, from amongthe direct messages recorded in posted information database 212. It isto be noted that the condition for restricting the posted informationincludes a condition relating to the direct message. Post server 20generates (in step S212) data describing the extracted direct message ina predetermined format. Post server 20 transmits (in step S213) thegenerated data to information-processing device 10 that is the source ofthe request. Portal software 52 displays (in step S214) an image inaccordance with the data received from post server 20. Details of stepsS211 to S214 are similar to those in steps S107 to S110.

3-2-2. Posting

The posting is a process for sharing information with other users. Asdescribed in relation to the browsing, information recorded in postserver 20 includes the posted information and the direct message. Inthis example, a set of binary data can be attached to the postedinformation. Here, description will be given for examples with andwithout the set of binary data. Furthermore, description will be givenfor posting a direct message.

3-2-2-1. Posting Texts

FIG. 16 shows an example of a sequence chart illustrating a process forposting a text. Here, description will be given for an example in whichportal software 52 is called during the execution of game application53, and a text is posted via portal software 52. In step S220, portalsoftware 52 calls an image for inputting a text. The call is triggeredby a predetermined event, for example, an instruction to start portalsoftware 52 is input.

In step S221, portal software 52 obtains a screen shot image of theapplication program being executed. The application program “beingexecuted” is an application program that was being executed at the timewhen the instruction to start portal software 52 was made, and, in thisexample, game application 53 is the application program being executed.While portal software 52 is activated, game application 53 istemporarily paused. As has already been described, while gameapplication 53 is paused, data used for game application 53 is expandedin memory 102. Portal software 52 generates a screen shot image based onthe data of game application 53 expanded in memory 102.

In step S222, portal software 52 displays an image for prompting a userto input a text to post. The image is shown in FIG. 2, for example. Theuser inputs a text to be posted, via the image. After completing theinput of the text to be posted, the user inputs (in step S223) aninstruction to post the text, by clicking post button 93, for example.

In step S224, portal software 52 obtains attribute information used forthe posted information. In this example, the attribute informationincludes a time stamp, a user ID, an application ID, a community ID, andusage information. The time stamp shows the current time. Theapplication ID is identification information of the application programthat is paused. The usage information is the usage information of theapplication program that is paused. In this example, the usageinformation shows accumulated playing time of the game. The time stamp,the user ID, the application ID, and the usage information are held byOS 511. Portal software 52 obtains from OS 511 the time stamp, the userID, the application ID, and the usage information. The community ID isidentification information of a community that portal software 52 isaccessing. The community ID is held by portal software 52.

For example, in a case that an accumulated playing-time of the game isused as the usage information, OS 511 keeps the accumulated playing-timeby a process independent from the process shown in FIG. 16 Memory 102stores the usage information of application programs that have beenplayed in the subject information-processing device 10 as well as acorresponding application ID with the relationship thereof. For example,in a case that ten game applications have been played in the subjectinformation-processing device 10, ten sets of application ID andaccumulated playing-time are stored in memory 102. When an applicationprogram is started, OS 511 measures by a timer (not shown in thefigures) a time during which the application program is executed. At apredetermined timing (for example, periodically, or when the applicationprogram is terminated), OS 511 adds the measured time to an accumulatedplaying-time of the subject application program, from among the pluralaccumulated playing-times stored in memory 102. It is to be noted thatthe accumulated playing time may be recorded for each user.

Referring to FIG. 16 again, in step S225, portal software 52 transmitsthe posted information to post server 20 via access module 514. Thesubject posted information includes the screen shot image obtained instep S221 and the attribute information obtained in step S224.

In step S226, post server 20 records the received posted informationinto posted information database 212. Post server 20 extracts (in stepS227) posted information that satisfies the condition for restrictingthe posted information from posted information database 212. Post server20 generates (in step S228) data showing the extracted postedinformation in a predetermined format. Post server 20 transmits (in stepS229) the generated data to information-processing device 10 that is thesource of the request. Portal software 52 displays (in step S230) animage in accordance with the data received from post server 20. Detailsof steps S227 to S230 are similar to those of steps S107 to S110.

3-2-2-2. Posting Binary Data

FIG. 17 shows an example of a sequence chart illustrating a process forposting information including a set of binary data. Here, descriptionwill be given for an example in which game application 53 transmits aposted text and a corresponding set of binary data. In step S240, gameapplication 53 calls an image for prompting a user to input a text. Thecall of the image is triggered by a predetermined event, for example, apredetermined command is input during the execution of the game.

In step S241, game application 53 obtains a screen shot image of theapplication program being executed. In step S242, game application 53displays the image for prompting a user to input a text. Aftercompleting an input of a text, the user instructs (in step S243) to postthe text. Details of steps S241 to S243 are similar to those in stepsS221 to S223.

In this example, the image for prompting a user to input a text providesa UI to select a set of binary data to be attached to the posted text.For example, in a case that binary data shows an item used in the game,the image provides a UI to select an item from among items obtained inthe game by the user, to be shared in the community. In step S244, gameapplication 53 generates a set of binary data showing an item selectedvia the UI.

In step S245, game application 53 obtains attribute information used forthe posted information. In step S246, game application 53 transmits theposted information to post server 20. The subject posted informationincludes a set of binary data generated in step S244, and the attributeinformation generated in step S245.

In step S247, post server 20 records the received posted informationinto posted information database 212. Post server 20 extracts (in stepS248) posted information that satisfies the condition for restrictingthe posted information from posted information database 212. Post server20 generates (in step S249) data showing the extracted postedinformation in a predetermined format. Post server 20 transmits (in stepS250) the generated data to information-processing device 10 that is thesource of the request. Portal software 52 displays (in step S251) animage in accordance with the data received from post server 20. Detailsof steps S247 to S251 are similar to those of steps S226 to S230.

3-2-2-3. Posting Direct Message

FIG. 18 shows an example of a sequence chart illustrating a process forposting a direct message. Here, description will be given for an examplein which portal software 52 posts a direct message. In step S260, portalsoftware 52 calls an image for prompting a user to input a directmessage. The calling of the image is triggered by a predetermined event,for example, a predetermined command is input via portal software 52.

In step S261, portal software 52 displays the image for prompting a userto input a direct message. The image includes a box for inputting an IDof a user to whom the direct message is sent, and another box forinputting a message. After completing the input of the message, the userinstructs (in step S262) to transmit the direct message. In step S263,portal software 52 obtains attribute information used for the directmessage. In this example, the user ID of the sender (source) and theuser ID of the destination, are used as the attribute information. Instep S264, portal software 52 transmits the direct message to postserver 20 via access module 514. The direct message includes theattribute information obtained in step S263. In step S265, the directmessage is recorded in posted information database 212.

3-2-3. Community Management

Community management includes participation in a community, withdrawalfrom a community, and generation of a new community.

3-2-3-1. Participation

Participation in a community is a process for participating in acommunity in which the user has not previously participated. Here, anexample in which the user participates in a community via portalsoftware 52 will be described.

FIG. 19 shows an example of a sequence chart illustrating a process forparticipating in a community. In step S300, portal software 52 transmitsto post server 20 a request for transmitting a list (hereinafterreferred to as a “community list”) of the communities.

If post server 20 receives a request for transmitting the community listfrom information-processing device 10, post server 20 obtains (in stepS301) a community list from the community database. In step S302, postserver 20 transmits the obtained community list toinformation-processing device 10, the source of the request.

If portal software 211 receives the community list, portal software 52controls the display device to display an image for prompting the userto select a community. The user selects (in step S303) via the image acommunity in which the user wishes to participate. If a community isselected, portal software 52 transmits (in step S304) a request forparticipating in a community to post server 20. The request forparticipating in a community includes the community ID of the communityand the user ID.

If post server 20 receives a request for participating in a community,post server 20 registers (in step S305) the user ID included in therequest in the community identified by the community ID included in therequest, in community database 213.

3-2-3-2. Withdrawal

Withdrawal from a community is a process for withdrawing from acommunity to which the user belongs. Here, an example in which the userwithdraws from a community via portal software 52 will be described.

FIG. 20 shows an example of a sequence chart illustrating a process forwithdrawing from a community. In step S310, portal software 52 transmitsa request for transmitting the community list to post server 20. Therequest includes a user ID of a user of information-processing device10. If post server 20 receives a request for the community list frominformation-processing device 10, post server 20 obtains (in step S311)from the community list a list of communities to which the useridentified by the user ID included in the request belongs.

Post server 20 transmits (in step S312) the obtained community list toinformation-processing device 10, the source of the request. If portalsoftware 52 receives the community list, portal software 52 controls thedisplay device to display an image for prompting a user to select acommunity. The user selects (in step S313) via the image a communityfrom which the user wishes to withdraw. If a community is selected,portal software 52 transmits (in step S314) a request for withdrawingfrom the community to post server 20. The request includes the communityID of the selected community and the user 1D.

If post server 20 receives a request for withdrawing a community, postserver 20 deletes (in step S315) the user ID included in the request,from a community identified by the community ID included in the request,in community database 213.

3-2-3-3. Generation of a Community

Generation of a community is a process for generating a new community.Here, an example in which the user generates a new community via animage for generating a new community, and another example in which theuser generates a new community by posting new posted information will bedescribed.

3-2-3-3-1. Generating a New Community by Posting New Posted Information

In the above example, at least one community relating to an applicationprogram already exists. However, a problem arises when the serviceprovider should generate a new community relating to a newly soldapplication program (hereinafter, referred to as a “subject community”).One potential solution is to prepare the subject community with closedaccess (or prohibited access). On a predetermined date (for example, theon-sale date), access to the subject community changes to public (orallowed) access. However, the actual date when a user obtains the newlyon-sale application program is beyond control of the software vendor,depending on shipping conditions, for example. If access to the subjectcommunity is changed to public access too early, there may be no postbefore the on-sale date. If access to the subject community is madepublic too late, users cannot post information they may wish to postuntil access to the subject community is made public. On the contrary,according to this example, generation of a new community is triggered byposting information.

FIG. 21 shows an example of a sequence chart illustrating a process forgenerating a new community triggered by posting. In step S330, portalsoftware 52 transmits posted information. As already described, theposted information includes the application ID of the applicationprogram being executed. In step S331, post server 20 determines whetherthe application ID included in the received posted information isalready known. More specifically, post server 20 determines whether acommunity relating to the application ID is already registered incommunity database 213. If it is determined that the application ID isknown (in step S331: YES), a process for handling the postedinformation, for example, steps S226 to S230, is executed. Here, aprocess in a case that the application ID is not known (in step S331:NO) will be described.

In step S332, post server 20 transmits an inquiry to shop server 30. Theinquiry includes the unknown application ID.

If shop server 30 receives an inquiry from post server 20, shop server30 searches (in step S333) for the application ID included in thereceived inquiry, in application database 311. Then, shop server 30obtains attribute information relating to the application ID.

FIG. 22 shows an example of data registered in application database 311.In application database 311, for each application program, anapplication ID and attribute information of the application program areregistered. In this example, the attribute information includes thetitle of the application program and a URL (an example of locationinformation) via which the application program is purchased online. Forexample, if the application ID included in the inquiry is “CDF507,” shopserver 30 obtains the title “Everybody's Party” and a corresponding URL,as attribute information.

Referring to FIG. 21 again, in step S334, shop server 30 transmits aresponse to the inquiry to post server 20, the source of the inquiry.The response includes the application ID and the attribute informationextracted in step S333.

In step S335, post server 20 generates a new community. Morespecifically, post server 20 registers attribute information of the newcommunity in community database 213. Information registered hereincludes the application ID and the attribute information received fromshop server 30. In step S336, post server 20 generates data showingpages of the community in a predetermined data format. In this example,the pages include buy button 95.

In step S337, game application 53 displays images of pages of thecommunity. The images include buy button 95. If the user clicks buybutton 95, a web site via which the application program is purchasedon-line is accessed.

According to the process shown in FIG. 21, a burden of an administratorof post server 20 to manage the subject community can be reduced.Further, if there are a huge number of software products, a burden of anadministrator of post server 20 to prepare a community for each softwareproduct can be reduced.

4. Modification

The technology is not restricted to the embodiment described above.Various modifications can be applied to the exemplary embodiment. Somemodifications will be described below. Two or more modifications fromamong the following modifications may be combined.

4-1. First Modification

The software configuration of information-processing device 10 is notrestricted to the example described in the embodiment. For example, inthe above embodiment, access module 514 is included in the systemsoftware. However, an access module may be included in an applicationprogram. In another example, system software 51 may include a functioncorresponding to portal software 52. As long as the functions shown inFIG. 4 are implemented, assignment of the functions to an applicationprogram and the system software may be performed by any method.Alternatively, a single program may include all the functions describedabove.

4-2. Second Modification

A method for identifying the application program being executed, is notrestricted to the example described in the above embodiment. In theabove embodiment, description is given of an example in which OS 511monitors the application program being executed, and applicationidentifying module 512 identifies the application program being executedby the application ID notified by OS 511. However, the applicationprogram may notify its own application ID to application identifyingmodule 512. In another example, information-processing device 10 maytransmit an inquiry of the application ID of the application programbeing executed, and may notify application identifying module 512 of theapplication ID that is notified by a server. In such a case, the serverholds the application ID of the application program being executed byinquiring to the system software of information-processing device 10 orby inquiring to the application program, or by receiving notificationfrom the system software or an application program.

4-3. Third Modification

At least a part of the functional elements shown in FIG. 4 may beomitted. For example, information-processing device 10 may not includeidentification-generating unit 17. In such a case, the application IDobtained by information-processing device 10 may be the URL itself or apart of the URL.

4-4. Fourth Modification

Information-processing device 10 may have a function to execute pluralapplication programs in parallel, a so-called multi task function. Inthis case, information-processing device 10 identifies as theapplication program being executed one application program that isactive (more specifically, is executed in the foreground, or is focusedfor inputting) at the timing when access to post server 20 isinstructed, from among plural application programs parallelly executed.

4-5. Fifth Modification

Portal software 52 may be preinstalled in information-processing device10. In other words, even in a case that portal software 52 is not thesystem software, portal software 52 may be installed when gameapplication 53 is executed.

4-6. Sixth Modification

In FIG. 22, an example in which the generation of a new community istriggered by posting is shown. However, an event that triggers thegeneration of a new community is not restricted to posting. Post server20 may generate a new community in response to an event in whichinformation including an application ID is received.

4-7. Seventh Modification

In the flow shown in FIG. 22, a device to which an inquiry istransmitted when the received application ID is unknown is notrestricted to shop server 30. The inquiry may be transmitted to a serverdevice other than shop server 30. In such a case, post server 20 maychange a device to which the inquiry is transmitted, depending on theapplication ID. For example, if a character string showing a vendor ofthe application program is included in the application ID, post server20 may change a device to which the inquiry is transmitted, depending onthe vendor of the application program.

4-8. Other Modifications

Information-processing device 10 is not restricted to a console typegame device. Information-processing device 10 may be a device other thana console type game device, for example, a portable game device, apersonal computer, a mobile phone, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistants),or a tablet device. Further, an application program executed ininformation-processing device 10 is not restricted to a gameapplication. The application program may be other than the gameapplication, for example, a word processing application, educationalapplication, or any other utility software.

The hardware configuration of information-processing device 10 is notrestricted to the example shown in FIG. 5. Information-processing device10 may have any hardware configuration as long as the functions shown inFIG. 4 can be implemented in information-processing device 10. Forexample, information-processing device 10 may have an input deviceincluding a display device (for example, a controller including a touchscreen). The display device is different from display device 50. In sucha case, portal software 52 controls display device 50 and the screen ofthe input device to display an image relating to posted informationsharing system 1. Alternatively, portal software 52 may control theinput device to display an image relating to posted information sharingsystem 1, and control display device 50 to display another image (forexample, wallpaper). To display an image relating to posted informationsharing system 1 on both display device 50 and the input device or todisplay the image on only the input device, may be determined by aninstruction input by a user. In a case that an image relating to postedinformation sharing system 1 is displayed on only the input device, andthat the game is paused when portal software 52 is started, portalsoftware 52 may control display device 50 to display a screen shot imageof the paused game.

Sequence charts described in the above embodiment are merely examples.The order of the processes is not restricted to the examples.

Posted information is not restricted to information input by a user. Afixed phrase generated by the system or the application program may beused as the posted information.

In the above embodiment, a single information-processing device 10functions as the information-processing system. However, theinformation-processing system may include a server device as well as theinformation-processing device. In such a case, a functional unit of theinformation-processing system may be implemented a process by aprocessor of the information-processing device, a process by a processorof the server device, or a process by cooperation of the processor ofthe information-processing and the processor of the server device. Theprocesses may be assigned to the information-processing device and theserver device in any way according to common knowledge of those skilledin the art. Further, the server device may be identical to or differentfrom post server 20.

The application program executed in information-processing device 10 isnot restricted to an application program that is provided in a storagemedium. The application program may be provided by download via anetwork such as the Internet. Further, the system software ofinformation-processing device 10 may be provided by a storage medium orby download.

What is claimed is:
 1. A posted information sharing system comprising: afirst information-processing device; and a server, wherein the serverincludes a storage device configured to store plural items of postedinformation posted by plural users of plural information-processingdevices; the first information-processing device includes an executingunit including a processor configured to execute an application program;and a receiving unit including a communications interface configured toreceive at least one item of posted information selected from among theplural items of posted information stored in the storage device, the atleast one item of posted information being selected in response to anapplication program that the executing unit is currently executing orwas previously executing but has suspended execution thereof, and theserver includes a providing unit including a server communicationsinterface configured to transmit the at least one item of postedinformation to the first information-processing device, in response to arequest from the first information-processing device.
 2. The postedinformation sharing system according to claim 1, further comprising: anidentification obtaining unit configured to obtain identificationinformation of an application program, which is being executed by theexecuting unit or whose execution is temporarily suspended by theexecuting unit, wherein the receiving unit is further configured toexecute a process for receiving posted information depending on theidentification information obtained by the identification obtaining unitso that the receiving unit receives posted information relating to anapplication program identified by the identification information.
 3. Theposted information sharing system according to claim 1, wherein theinformation-processing device includes the receiving unit, and thereceiving is different from functions implemented by the executing unitthat is executing the application program.
 4. The posted informationsharing system according to claim 1, wherein a function of the receivingunit is implemented by a processing unit that is executing a programother than the application program.
 5. The posted information sharingsystem according to claim 1, wherein the receiving unit is included as afunction of a platform of the first information-processing device. 6.The posted information sharing system according to claim 1, wherein thereceiving unit is preinstalled in the first information-processingdevice.
 7. The posted information sharing system according to claim 1,wherein the first information-processing device further includes aninstructing unit configured to instruct starting a process for receivingthe posted information in response to an input at freely selected timingwhile the application program is being executed, and the receiving unitis further configured to execute the process if the instructing unitinstructs starting the process.
 8. The posted information sharing systemaccording to claim 1, wherein the first information-processing devicefurther includes a suspending unit configured to temporarily suspendexecuting the application program by the executing unit, and after thesuspending unit suspends executing the application program, thereceiving unit is further configured to receive different postedinformation depending on the suspended application program.
 9. Theposted information sharing system according to claim 8, wherein thefirst information-processing device further includes amenu-display-controlling unit configured to control a display unit todisplay a menu image including an item for obtaining or transmittingposted information after the suspending unit suspends executing theapplication program, and the receiving unit is further configured toreceive the posted information if the item is selected in the menuimage.
 10. The posted information sharing system according to claim 8,wherein the receiving unit is further configured to receive the postedinformation relating to the application program while the suspendingunit suspends executing the application program.
 11. The postedinformation sharing system according to claim 8, wherein the firstinformation-processing device further includes a resuming unitconfigured to resume executing the suspended application program, inresponse to an instruction input after the receiving unit receives theposted information.
 12. An information-processing system comprising: anexecuting unit including a processor configured to execute anapplication program; and a receiving unit including a communicationsinterface configured to search from among plural items of postedinformation stored in server storage and select at least one item ofposted information in response to an application program that iscurrently being executed or was previously executing but whose executionis suspended in order to receive at least one item of posted informationfrom among the plural items.
 13. A computer-readable non-transitorystorage medium storing a program causing a computer device to execute aprocess, the process comprising: executing an application program; andreceiving at least one item of posted information selected from amongplural items of posted information stored in a network storage serviceincluding selecting the at least one item of posted information inresponse to an application program currently executing or which wasbeing executed but the execution thereof is suspended.
 14. A computerplatform on which various complying application programs are executed,the computer platform comprising: a receiving unit including acommunications interface configured to receive at least one item ofposted information selected from among plural items of postedinformation stored in a network storage device, the at least one item ofposted information being selected in response to an application programthat is currently executing or was previously executing but hassuspended execution thereof.
 15. The system of claim 1 wherein theposted information relates to the application program, and theinformation processing device posts the posted information bytransmitting user information to the server for posting.
 16. The systemof claim 1 wherein at least a part of the plural items includes acomment or a handwriting input by a user.
 17. The system of claim 12wherein at least a part of the plural items includes a comment or ahandwriting input by a user.
 18. The storage medium of claim 13 whereinat least a part of the plural items includes a comment or a handwritinginput by a user.
 19. The computer platform of claim 14 wherein at leasta part of the plural items includes a comment or a handwriting input bya user.